Hong Kong: Avian Influenza Drill

Photo Credit Hong Kong Government

 

# 7842

 

Although we’ve heard of very little H7N9 activity out of China over the summer, avian influenza is largely a seasonal virus and so many scientists expect this emerging virus resurface on the Chinese mainland again this fall and winter (see FAO Warns On Bird Flu). 

 

Nowhere has attention been more focused on the return of this virus than in Hong Kong, which was the site of the first human cluster of H5N1 infection more than 16 years ago and which bore the brunt of the SARS outbreak in 2003 (see SARS and Remembrance).

 

In 2010, Hong Kong saw their first human infection from the H5N1 virus since 2003, and in 2011 (see Hong Kong Raises Alert Level On Finding H5N1 Positive Poultry) authorities culled thousands of chickens after a single bird was found infected with H5N1.

 

Throughout the summer the public has been reminded of the importance of good flu hygiene (see Hong Kong’s Response To Guangdong H7N9 Case), while public health officials have formulated plans to deal with the possible return of the virus this winter.  Today (October 8th) the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted an avian influenza exercise to test their readiness for an outbreak of H7N9 (or any other avian influenza) in Hong Kong’s Special Administration Region.

 

This press release from the Hong Kong government:

 

 

Exercise Dandelion ensures AFCD is prepared for avian influenza outbreak (with photos)

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a field simulation exercise today (October 8) to review the department's preparedness in case a poultry culling operation is required in response to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hong Kong.

Code-named Dandelion, the exercise provided a scenario for staff of departments that need to take part in the culling operation to familiarise themselves with the work procedures and biosecurity measures for carrying out the operation, and to identify areas for improvement in the response plans.

The exercise focused on the overall on-site preparation and implementation of biosecurity measures, such as the procedures for wearing and removing protective gear, as well as the disinfection and disposal of carcasses.

A field command centre and a mock chicken farm were set up for participants to carry out their front-line duties, which included mobilising staff and resources, setting up different operation areas in the index farm, and following personal biosecurity guidelines when entering and leaving the index farm.

The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, accompanied by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Alan Wong, observed the front-line operations.

Dr Ko stressed the importance of putting in place the contingency response plan to ensure the AFCD's preparedness and readiness in case a culling operation in Hong Kong is necessary.

"The occurrence of avian influenza outbreaks in different parts of the region over the past few years, coupled with the avian influenza A(H7N9) cases earlier this year, indicates that the threat of avian influenza still persists and we should not take it lightly.

"The whole society, including the Government and the poultry trade, as well as the general public, must remain vigilant and guard against the avian influenza virus becoming active again. There is no room to relax the avian influenza prevention and control measures," he said.

He pointed out that apart from rolling forward various prevention and control measures, the Government had stepped up surveillance before the winter season. These measures include conducting surprise inspections targeting local poultry farms and pet bird shops, the collection of more samples from the wholesale poultry market and retail outlets for tests on avian influenza, and enhanced actions to combat illegal importation of live birds at boundary control points.

Some 100 staff members of the AFCD and the Civil Aid Service took part in the exercise. Dr Ko thanked them for their efforts and positive contributions to the smooth running of the exercise.

The AFCD has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the exercise.

Ends/Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:29

 

.

Hong Kong Conducts NCoV Exercise

 

Credit News.gov.hk

 

 

# 7033

 

 

One of the truly unexpected benefits derived from becoming a flu blogger was being invited to Washington D.C. to take part in a pair of day-long table-top exercises (both in 2008 and 2009) with various federal agencies (HHS, CDC, DHS, FEMA, etc.) where we `gamed’ the opening weeks of a pandemic outbreak.

 

You can read about these exercises in CIDRAP On The D.C. Table Top Exercise, To D.C. & Back, and HHS Pandemic Exercise.

 

Although these tabletop drills are initially `scripted’, they rarely stay stay that way, as problems with existing plans and protocols are identified and `workarounds’ must be quickly devised.

 

When well designed (meaning that the moderator throws in some unexpected curveballs, and exerts mounting pressure on the participants) they truly are a fascinating, serious, and valuable planning tool.

 

Which brings us to a detailed report this morning from Hong Kong on a `desktop’ (aka `tabletop’) exercise held among 36 officials on a fictionalized scenario where the novel coronavirus arrives in their city.

 

This from the Hong Kong government website:

 

Exercise Ruby" tests Government response to outbreak of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus

The Government tested its preparedness for a possible outbreak of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus today (March 27) during a high level desktop exercise codenamed "Exercise Ruby", organised by the Food and Health Bureau and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health in collaboration with other Government departments.

Under the exercise simulation, Hong Kong encountered its first imported case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus. Senior representatives from Government bureaux, departments and organisations took part in a Serious Response Level steering committee meeting, chaired by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man. During the meeting, representatives assessed the risk level by considering key factors such as areas of transmissibility, geographical spread, clinical severity, pre-existing immunity, availability of effective preventive measures and recommendations by international health authorities.

 

The exercise scenario involved an imported case in which a patient returned from a country where cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus had been reported. The patient developed respiratory symptoms on the flight. He and his wife had also attended a wedding reception the day after his return to Hong Kong, triggering the need for subsequent close-contact identification and quarantine. In view of the risk assessment of a possible serious health impact of the disease in Hong Kong, the Director of Health recommended, and the Secretary for Food and Health agreed, to raise the response level to "Serious" upon the confirmation of a local case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.

 

Thirty-two close contacts of the patient on the flight to Hong Kong and at the wedding reception were identified and quarantined. On the day of exercise, six quarantined close contacts developed respiratory symptoms and three of them  tested positive for novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization announced that there was sustained human-to-human transmission on the same day following reports of community outbreak in another country.

 

A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said that the exercise had tested the Government's response measures for the control of the disease, the command structure as well as the mechanism for activation of response levels. It had also focused on the preparedness and response actions of relevant government bureaux, departments and organisations, and offered members the opportunity to assess the risk of health impact on Hong Kong, before deciding the need for the escalation of the response level from "Serious" to "Emergency" as well as the corresponding enhanced response actions.

 

In addition, the exercise served to formulate and oversee the implementation of a co-ordinated and timely response and disease control strategy, and to decide on measures to be taken which will have a wider impact on the community. A total of 36 representatives from three bureaux and nine departments/organisations participated in the exercise.

 

On January 25, 2013, the CHP and relevant departments and organisations conducted ground movement exercises codenamed 'Amber' in preparation for outbreaks of other respiratory diseases. Exercise Amber simulated a locally acquired novel influenza infection and prompted an on-site quarantine operation at an elderly home. Public hospitals, in conjunction with the Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre, also conducted drills focusing on patient management in different clinical settings to test collaboration among specialties.

 

To conclude, the spokesman said, "The exercise provided a valuable opportunity for relevant parties of the public sector to test their preparedness and identify areas for improvement. The Government is committed to maintaining preparedness against any possible outbreak of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus."

Ends/Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout: 2013

Credit Shakeout.org 

 

# 6903

 

Five days from now, on Thursday February 7th, at 10:15am, millions of people across the central United States will take part in their third annual Great Central U.S. Shakeout  earthquake drill.

 

This exercise will be conducted in the style of The Great California Shakeout which has been been running successfully for a number of years, and has spawned more than a dozen other regional shakeout exercises around the world.

 

Registration is simple, participation is easy, and the drill only takes a few minutes. You can join in with more than 2.4 million others in the central U.S. at the link below.

 

Central U.S. ShakeOut Registration or Renewal

By registering for the ShakeOut, you or your organization will:

• Be counted in the largest-ever earthquake drill in Central U.S.!
• Be listed with other participants in your area (Optional)
• Be an example that motivates others to participate & prepare
• Be updated with ShakeOut news and preparedness tips
• Have peace of mind that you, your family, your co-workers and millions of others will be better prepared to survive and recover quickly from our next big earthquake!

 

In addition to registration, the Shakeout.org site provides Drill Manuals, Multimedia, Flyers, and many other resources to help get you, your family, or business earthquake prepared.

 

The USGS map below shows that most of the United State’s population lives in a seismically active region. While California has the reputation for being earthquake prone, the Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard are not immune.

 

While large earthquakes are rare in center of the country, they do happen. The map below comes from the USGS document Earthquake Hazard in the New Madrid Seismic Zone Remains a Concern.

 

There are historical accounts of major earthquakes
in the New Madrid region during 1811–12. The geologic record of pre-1811 earthquakes also reveals that the New Madrid seismic zone has repeatedly produced sequences of major earthquakes, including several of magnitude 7 to 8, over the past 4,500 years. These prehistoric earthquakes caused severe and widespread ground failures in the New Madrid region, much like those caused by the 1811–12 earthquake sequence. – USGS.

 

Given the risks, the United States government devoted their National Level Exercise (NLE 2011) two years ago to a simulated catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ).

 

We live on a violent planet, one that is prone to storms, fires, floods, drought, volcanoes, earthquakes and myriad other natural disasters.  

 

Emergencies happen every day.  Disasters, admittedly, less often.

 

But in either event, preparedness is key.

 

At a bare minimum, every household should have a disaster plan, a good first aid kit (and the knowledge to use it), an emergency battery operated NWS  weather radio, and emergency supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours during a disaster.

 

To become better prepared as an individual, family, business owner, or community, I would invite you to visit the following preparedness sites.

 

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/

AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/

 

For more on increasing your level of preparedness, a partial list of some of my preparedness blogs include:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

In An Emergency, Who Has Your Back?

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

The Gift of Preparedness 2012

 

 

And for a look at some of the other Shakeout Drills around the globe, you may wish to visit:

 

NPM12: A Whole Lotta Shakeouts Going On

The 2012 Great SouthEast ShakeOut

The Great Utah ShakeOut

Reminder: ShakeOut Drills On Oct. 18th

 

# 6632

 

 

On Wednesday of this week more than a million residents of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia have pledged to take part in the inaugural launch of their The Great Southeast Shakeout.

 

They join a growing list of other states and regions who conduct this yearly earthquake drill, which instructs people how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during a quake.

 

A video, demonstrating the technique is available on the California Shakeout Youtube Channel.

 

This year, there are 14 Shakeouts scheduled across the United States and around the world, with the bulk of them set for  10:18 a.m. on October 18th.

 

For details on when the Shakeout Drill is being held in your area - and how you or your organization can participate - click the map below:

If you live in any of these regions, I would encourage you to participate in, and support, these annual disaster drills.

 

As the map below indicates, much of United States is seismically active – with Alaska, Hawaii, the west coast, and the Midwest seeing the most – and strongest, quakes.

 

USGS map

 

Last year, in Estimating The Economic Impact Of A San Andreas Quake, we looked at a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that endeavored to gauge the crippling impact that a highly feasible (and long overdue) 7.8 magnitude Southern California earthquake would have on jobs and local businesses.

 

Download PDF file

A quake of this magnitude, they estimate, could affect  430,000 businesses and 4.5 million workers and deliver a devastating – and prolonged – blow to the local economy.

 

While huge death tolls are considered unlikely in this scenario, the untimely demise of thousands of unprepared businesses is all but assured.

 

One of the most vulnerable areas to earthquakes (and tsunamis) in North America is the Pacific Northwest, where just over 311 years ago an earthquake and tsunami – likely on par with this year’s disastrous quake in Japan - struck the coastline.

 

 

You’ll find a greater description of this event, along with videos and simulations showing what a similar event today would produce, in my essay Just A Matter Of Time.

 

Since we can’t prevent earthquakes, or predict them, the only recourse is to prepare for them . . .  as individuals, businesses, and communities.

For a comprehensive guide on how you can prepare for `the big one’ (even if you live someplace other than Los Angeles), I would recommend you download, read, and implement the advice provided by the The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide.

 

Everyone should have a disaster plan.  Everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

NPM12: A Whole Lotta Shakeouts Going On

Note: This is day 11 of National Preparedness Month.  Follow this year’s campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM or #NPM12 hash tag.

 

This month, as part of NPM12, I’ll be rerunning some updated  preparedness essays (like this one) , along with some new ones.

 

# 6548

 

The Great California Shakeout drill, which began in 2008, has now generated 15 spinoffs around the world, and most of those drills are scheduled for the month of October.

 

 

(click image to visit Shakeout.org)

Millions of residents, from the United States and Canada, to New Zealand, Italy, and Japan, will take part in this yearly Drop, Cover, & Hold On drill. A video, demonstrating the technique is available on the California Shakeout Youtube Channel.

 

 

If you live in any of these regions, I would encourage you to participate in, and support, these annual disaster drills.

 

As you can see by the map below, much of United States is seismically active – with Alaska, Hawaii, the west coast, and the Midwest seeing the most – and strongest, quakes.

USGS map

Last year, in Estimating The Economic Impact Of A San Andreas Quake, we looked at a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that endeavored to gauge the crippling impact that a highly feasible (and long overdue) 7.8 magnitude Southern California earthquake would have on jobs and local businesses.

 

Download PDF file

A quake of this magnitude, they estimate, could affect  430,000 businesses and 4.5 million workers and deliver a devastating – and prolonged – blow to the local economy.

 

While huge death tolls are considered unlikely in this scenario, the untimely demise of thousands of unprepared businesses is all but assured.

 

One of the most vulnerable areas to earthquakes (and tsunamis) in North America is the Pacific Northwest, where just over 311 years ago an earthquake and tsunami – likely on par with this year’s disastrous quake in Japan - struck the coastline.

 

You’ll find a greater description of this event, along with videos and simulations showing what a similar event today would produce, in my essay Just A Matter Of Time.

 

Since we can’t prevent earthquakes, or predict them, the only recourse is to prepare for them . . .  as individuals, businesses, and communities.

For a comprehensive guide on how you can prepare for `the big one’ (even if you live someplace other than Los Angeles), I would recommend you download, read, and implement the advice provided by the The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide.

 

 

Everyone should have a disaster plan.  Everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

The Great Utah ShakeOut

 

# 6287

 

 

Later today (April 17th), Utah will stage their very first ever Great Utah Shakeout drill, where nearly 1 million Utahns will practice the `Drop, Cover and Hold On’ technique across the state.

 

This drill is based on the very successful Great California ShakeOut, which has spawned other drills in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest (see A Whole Lotta Shakeouts Goin' On).

 

The USGS map below shows that most of the United State’s population lives in a seismically active region.

While California has the biggest reputation for earthquakes, the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, and a number of western states (including Utah) are not immune.

 

BeReadyUtah.gov has produced a 5 minute video showing what the aftermath of a strong quake in Utah would be like.

 

If you are living in Utah, plan to take part in today’s drill.  Knowing what to do during an earthquake can literally save your life.

 

Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, and yes . . . even pandemics . . .  are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with.

 

Everyone needs an appropriate disaster plan, just as everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit Ready.gov or revisit these blogs:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

Reminder: Great Central U.S. Shakeout Today

 

# 6124

 

 

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout, scheduled for today (Feb 7th) at 10:15am, will hopefully bring more than 3 million people together for a multistate earthquake drill.

 

This exercise will be conducted in the style of The Great California Shakeout which has been been running successfully for a number of years (see Reminder: Great Shakeout On Thursday).

 

 

As far as how to protect yourself during an earthquake, officials advise:

 

 

PROTECT YOURSELF. SPREAD THE WORD.

Official rescue teams who have been dispatched to the scene of earthquakes and other disasters around the world continue to advocate use of the internationally recognized "Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol to protect lives during earthquakes:

• DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Do not try to run to another room just to get under a table.

 

www.dropcoverholdon.org

Reminder: Great Shakeout On Thursday

 

 

# 5910

 

Tomorrow (October 20th)  California, Nevada, Guam, and British Columbia will hold their yearly earthquake preparedness drill promoted by the USGS and Shakeout.org.

 

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, October 20, 2011 

The Great California ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

The Great Nevada ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

The Great Guam ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

 

Many radio & TV stations across these states will play audio and/or video earthquake simulations at precisely 10:20 am to add authenticity to the drill.

 

The Shakeout websites ask residents to register, and to take part in this annual earthquake exercise.  You’ll find plenty of suggestions on how to participate – at home, at work, or at school.

 

The Great California Shakeout is the oldest, and largest of these drills, and this year more than 8.4 million Californians have registered as participants.

 

As far as what to do  DURING an earthquake, I’ll let the folks at ShakeOut.org explain (and no, it isn’t stand under a doorway):

 

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations all agree that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. The ShakeOut is our opportunity to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes. This page explains what to do-- and what not to do.

(Continue . . . )

 

 

The USGS map below shows that most of the United State’s population lives in a seismically active region. While California has the reputation for being earthquake prone, the Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard are not immune.

 

Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, pandemics, and yes . . . even earthquakes . . .  are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with.

 

Everyone needs an appropriate disaster plan, just as everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit Ready.gov or revisit these blogs:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

And  reminder that early next year, two other regions will be holding shakeout exercises as well.

 

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout On February 7, 2012

The Great Utah ShakeOut, April 17, 2012

If you live in any of these regions, I would encourage you to participate in, and support, these annual disaster drills.

A Whole Lotta Shakeouts Goin' On

 

 

 

# 5887

 

Eleven days from now (on October 20th) California, Nevada, Guam, and British Columbia will hold annual earthquake preparedness drills which are promoted by the USGS and Shakeout.org.

 

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, October 20, 2011 

The Great California ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

The Great Nevada ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

The Great Guam ShakeOut, October 20, 2011

 

These websites ask residents to register, and to take part in this annual earthquake exercise.  There you’ll find plenty of suggestions on how to participate – at home, at work, or at school.

 

A number of radio & TV stations across the state will play audio and/or video earthquake simulations at precisely 10:20 am to add authenticity to the drill.

 

The Great California Shakeout is the oldest, and largest of these drills, and this year more than 8 million Californians have registered as participants.

 

As far as what to do  DURING an earthquake, I’ll let the folks at ShakeOut.org explain (and no, it isn’t stand under a doorway):

 

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations all agree that "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. The ShakeOut is our opportunity to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes. This page explains what to do-- and what not to do.

(Continue . . . )

 

The USGS map below shows that most of the United State’s population lives in a seismically active region. While California has the reputation for being earthquake prone, the Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard are not immune.

 

One of the most vulnerable areas to earthquakes (and tsunamis) in North America is the Pacific Northwest, where just over 311 years ago an earthquake and tsunami – likely on par with this year’s disastrous quake in Japan - struck the coastline.

 

You’ll find a greater description of this event, along with videos and simulations showing what a similar event today would produce, in my essay Just A Matter Of Time.

 

 

Earthquakes, like Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods, and yes . . . even pandemics . . .  are hazards everyone should be aware of, and prepared to deal with.

 

Everyone should have a disaster plan.  Everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit:

 

When 72 Hours Isn’t Enough

The L. A. County Emergency Survival Guide

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

 

And  reminder that after the first of the year, two other regions will be holding shakeout exercises as well.

 

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout On February 7, 2012

The Great Utah ShakeOut, April 17, 2012

 

If you live in any of these regions, I would encourage you to participate in, and support, these annual disaster drills.

 

 

Note: I’ll be on the road again today, but plan to be back at my desk, and on my regular blogging schedule, tomorrow.

Reminder: Central U.S. Shakeout Tomorrow - April 28th

 

# 5525

 

 

 

A brief reminder, tomorrow at 10:15am CDT millions of residents in 8 central U.S. states will take part in their first annual Central U.S. Shakeout Drill.

 

You’ll find earlier coverage of this event at:

 

NEPEC: New Madrid Earthquake Hazard Review

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout

The World Upside Down

 

So far more than 2.9 million individuals, businesses, organizations, and entities have registered to participate in this year’s Shakeout. 

To learn how to join in, click on the image below:

And to learn what to do in an earthquake, watch this 4 minute video from Shakeout.org. 

 

 

http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout

 

 

 

 

# 5505

 

 

We are now less than ten days away from  The Great Central U.S. Shakeout, scheduled for 10:15am on April 28th. 

 

 

This will be the first year for this drill in the Midwest, but it will be conducted in the style of The Great California Shakeout which has been been running successfully for a number of years. 

 

You can read more about last year’s California Shakeout  and last January’s  Great Oregon/British Columbia ShakeOut.

 

So far more than 2.4 million individuals, businesses, organizations, and entities have registered to participate in this year’s Shakeout. 

 

To learn how to join in, click on the image below:

 

 

And to learn what to do in an earthquake, watch this 4 minute video from Shakeout.org. 

 

 

This year is the bicentennial of the great New Madrid quake of 1811-12, a series of 4 massive shocks (7.2-8.0 mag.) over a two month period which fortunately occurred at time when that part of the country was sparsely populated.

 

While large earthquakes are rare in this part of the country, they do happen. 

 

And today millions of Americans live in this seismic zone.   A quake approaching anywhere close to those magnitudes today would be catastrophic.

 

The map below comes from the USGS document Earthquake Hazard in the New Madrid Seismic Zone Remains a Concern.

 

There are historical accounts of major earthquakes
in the New Madrid region during 1811–12. The geologic record of pre-1811 earthquakes also reveals that the New Madrid seismic zone has repeatedly produced sequences of major earthquakes, including several of magnitude 7 to 8, over the past 4,500 years. These prehistoric earthquakes caused severe and widespread ground failures in the New Madrid region, much like those caused by the 1811–12 earthquake sequence. – USGS.

 

 

Given the risks, this year the United States government will conduct a National Level Exercise (NLE 2011) that will help to  prepare and coordinate a multiple-jurisdictional integrated response to a national catastrophic event.

 

NLE 2011, which will be held next month (May), will simulate a catastrophic earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). 

 

FEMA describes the exercise as:

 

NLE 2011 is a White House directed Congressionally-mandated exercise that includes the participation of all appropriate federal department and agency senior officials, their deputies and staff; and key operational elements. NLE 2011 will focus on regional catastrophic response and recovery activities between federal, regional, state, tribal, local and private sector participants.

 

 

For more on NLE 2010 you can visit FEMA’s Factsheet.

 

National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE 2011)

 

 

And for more on this, you can check out FEMA director Graig Fugate’s blog of  April 18, 2011 Less than 2 Weeks to Go to Central U.S. Shakeout – What Will You Do?.

 

 

We live on a violent planet.

 

One wracked by storms, fires, floods, drought, volcanoes, earthquakes and myriad other natural disasters.  

 

One need only look at the super-outbreak of tornadoes last week that damaged or destroyed thousands of structures, injured hundreds of people, and claimed the lives of 45 people as they swept across the Mid-west and into the Carolinas to realize just how violent.

 

Emergencies happen every day.  Disasters, admittedly, less often. 

 

But in either event, preparedness is key.

 

At a bare minimum, every household should have a disaster plan, a good first aid kit (and the knowledge to use it), and emergency supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours during a disaster.

 

To become better prepared as an individual, family, business owner, or community to deal with these types of disasters: visit the following preparedness sites.

 

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/

AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/

 

Having lived nearly a decade on the cusp of the New Madrid fault (just west of Poplar Bluff, actually), and having friends who still reside there, I have a particular interest in this exercise.  

 

I will undoubtedly mention it again before the 28th.

 

If you live in any of the 8 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee) that will be participating in this year’s Great Central U.S. Shakeout, I would encourage you to take part.